Lagos Police declare Sowore wanted, as Activist alleges 'shoot on sight' order

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh has publicly declared human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, wanted over an alleged disturbance of public peace connected to a planned protest in the Oworonshoki community.

Addressing journalists near the Third Mainland Bridge, Commissioner Jimoh accused Sowore of instigating unrest over the demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki and planning to obstruct traffic on the critical Third Mainland Bridge, an act he described as a serious felony intended to cause hardship for Lagosians.

The Police Chief confirmed that 13 protesters had already been arrested in connection with the planned demonstration.

"I, as the Commissioner of Police (for) Lagos State Police Command, declare Sowore wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace," Jimoh stated.

He urged Sowore to report to the nearest police station, adding, "We are closing in on him... He should come down and put his feet on the ground."

Responding via his social media handle, Omoyele Sowore confirmed the declaration but vehemently challenged the police’s motives, linking the action to an alleged order from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Sowore claimed the declaration was issued allegedly as a result of his officers' inability to execute a shoot on sight order given by theIGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki.

The activist confirmed that his attempts to contact Commissioner Jimoh have gone unanswered but pledged to face the police chief soon.

"Despite my repeated attempts to contact Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG Commissioner Jimoh, he has not taken my calls; nevertheless, I plan to meet with him soon to address his declaration," Sowore wrote.
The confrontation comes amid increased tension in the Oworonshoki area, where residents and activists have been protesting the demolition of properties by the Lagos State Government as part of an urban renewal project.